Chamber to host business mixer

Published: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 6:26 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 6:27 p.m.

The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County will host a business mixer “celebrating diversity in business” from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Jake’s Music Room in Gadsden.

Executive Director Heather New said organizers primarily are inviting minority business owners and key leaders to the social gathering, where there will be information for individuals interested in being more involved with The Chamber in leadership roles and committees.

“It’s essentially a diversity initiative, but it’s our desire that every business in our community see us as their Chamber,” New said. “In order for that to happen, I feel, our leadership, committees and the things we do need to reflect the diversity in our communities.”

New said the mixer is a first step in getting different groups together — geographically and ethnically, as well as in age and in industry — and “approaching diversity from every angle and getting as many people involved from every aspect.”

Carolyn Parker, a Gadsden business owner and District 5 representative on the Etowah County Commission, said another reason for the event is when new professionals arrive in the area, they don’t have a chance to meet with other professionals. The groups’ paths don’t cross, and they are in different circles.

<p>The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County will host a business mixer “celebrating diversity in business” from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Jake's Music Room in Gadsden.</p><p>Executive Director Heather New said organizers primarily are inviting minority business owners and key leaders to the social gathering, where there will be information for individuals interested in being more involved with The Chamber in leadership roles and committees. </p><p>“It's essentially a diversity initiative, but it's our desire that every business in our community see us as their Chamber,” New said. “In order for that to happen, I feel, our leadership, committees and the things we do need to reflect the diversity in our communities.”</p><p>New said the mixer is a first step in getting different groups together — geographically and ethnically, as well as in age and in industry — and “approaching diversity from every angle and getting as many people involved from every aspect.”</p><p>Carolyn Parker, a Gadsden business owner and District 5 representative on the <a href="http://www.gadsdentimes.com/etowahcommisssion"><b>Etowah County Commission</b></a>, said another reason for the event is when new professionals arrive in the area, they don't have a chance to meet with other professionals. The groups' paths don't cross, and they are in different circles. </p><p>“That's why we're doing the mixer, to bring those groups together,” Parker said.</p><p>New said being a Chamber member isn't required to get information, but anyone who already is a member is invited to attend the mixer and meet other business owners from the area.</p><p>Attendees are asked to RSVP before 10 a.m. Thursday by calling 256-543-3472 or emailing info@gadsdenchamber.org.</p>